X-Rite RM200QC User manual

RM200QC
User Manual

RM200QC User Manual
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Equipment Information
Use of this equipment in a manner other than that specified by X-Rite, Incorporated may
compromise design integrity and become unsafe.
Warning: This instrument is not for use in explosive environments.
No user serviceable parts in this product.
For your safety, do not look directly into the measurement optics when the instrument is on.
Do not immerse the instrument in liquid.
Cold weather may affect the speed of the display and the accuracy of matches.
Do not expose the instrument to extreme heat; do not leave in the sun.
Transportation: This product contains a lithium-ion battery. Should you need to ship this
device, you may wish to consult published guidance documents by one or more of these
organizations for advice on how to comply with the regulations: IATA, ICOA, IMDG & PHMSA.
The single cell battery contained in the RM200QC device is 25g in weight, 3.7V, 1030mAh, and
complies with the UN 38.3 tests in effect the year it was originally shipped.
Instructions for disposal: Please dispose of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) at
designated collection points for the recycling of such equipment.
CE Declaration
Hereby, X-Rite, Incorporated, declares that this RM200 Series is in compliance with the
essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive(s) 2014/30/EU (EMC),
2014/35/EU (LVD), and RoHS 2011/65/EU.
FCC Notice
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is
no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by
one or more of the following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

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Industry Canada Compliance Statement
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
Limited Warranty
X-Rite warrants this Product against defects in material and workmanship for a period of twelve
(12) months from the date of shipment from X-Rite’s facility, unless mandatory law provides for
longer periods. During such time, X-Rite will either replace or repair at its discretion defective
parts free of charge. The battery is warranted for 6 months and replaceable at an authorized X-
Rite service center.
X-Rite’s warranties herein do not cover failure of warranted goods resulting from: (i) damage
after shipment, accident, abuse, misuse, neglect, alteration or any other use not in accordance
with X-Rite’s recommendations, accompanying documentation, published specifications, and
standard industry practice; (ii) using the device in an operating environment outside the
recommended specifications or failure to follow the maintenance procedures in X-Rite’s
accompanying documentation or published specifications; (iii) repair or service by anyone other
than X-Rite or its authorized representatives; (iv) the failure of the warranted goods caused by
use of any parts or consumables not manufactured, distributed, or approved by X-Rite; (v) any
attachments or modifications to the warranted goods that are not manufactured, distributed or
approved by X-Rite. Consumable parts and Product cleaning are also not covered by the
warranty.
X-Rite‘s sole and exclusive obligation for breach of the above warranties shall be the repair or
replacement of any part, without charge, which within the warranty period is proven to X-Rite‘s
reasonable satisfaction to have been defective. Repairs or replacement by X-Rite shall not
revive an otherwise expired warranty, nor shall the same extend the duration of a warranty.
Customer shall be responsible for packaging and shipping the defective product to the service
center designated by X-Rite. X-Rite shall pay for the return of the product to Customer if the
shipment is to a location within the region in which the X-Rite service center is located.
Customer shall be responsible for paying all shipping charges, duties, taxes, and any other
charges for products returned to any other locations. Proof of purchase in the form of a bill of
sale or receipted invoice which is evidence that the unit is within the Warranty period must be
presented to obtain warranty service. Do not try to dismantle the Product. Unauthorized
dismantling of the equipment will void all warranty claims. Contact the X-Rite Support or the
nearest X-Rite Service Center, if you believe that the unit does not work anymore or does not
work correctly.
THESE WARRANTIES ARE GIVEN SOLELY TO BUYER AND ARE IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED

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WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR APPLICATION,
AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. NO EMPLOYEE OR AGENT OF X-RITE, OTHER THAN AN OFFICER OF
X-RITE, IS AUTHORIZED TO MAKE ANY WARRANTY IN ADDITION TO THE FOREGOING.
Proprietary Notice
The information contained in this manual is derived from patent and proprietary data. The
contents of this manual are the property of X-Rite, Incorporated and are copyrighted. Any
reproduction in whole or part is strictly prohibited. Publication of this information does not
imply any rights to reproduce or use this manual for any purpose other than installing,
operating, or maintaining this instrument. No part of this manual may be reproduced,
transcribed, transmitted, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language or
computer language, in any form.
This product may be covered by one or more patents. Refer to the instrument for actual patent
numbers.
© 2013 by X-Rite, Incorporated “ALL RIGHTS RESERVED”
X-Rite is a registered trademark of X-Rite, Incorporated. All other logos, brand names, and product names mentioned are the properties of their
respective holders.

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Table of Contents
Description ............................................................................................................................................................6
Package Contents..................................................................................................................................................7
Important Information..........................................................................................................................................7
Getting Started .....................................................................................................8
Installing the Software ..........................................................................................................................................8
Charging the Battery .............................................................................................................................................8
Powering On and Off (battery operation only).....................................................................................................9
Initial Startup ........................................................................................................................................................9
Function Screens...................................................................................................11
Using the RM200QC Instrument ...........................................................................12
General Use...........................................................................................................................................................12
Changing Aperture View .......................................................................................................................................13
Navigating the Screens..........................................................................................................................................13
Selecting Samples .................................................................................................15
Obtaining a Good Measurement ..........................................................................................................................15
Non-ideal Samples ................................................................................................................................................15
Calibration............................................................................................................16
Recertification.......................................................................................................................................................17
Operation .............................................................................................................18
Settings Menu .......................................................................................................................................................18
Language......................................................................................................................................................18
USB Report Mode ........................................................................................................................................18
Calibrate.......................................................................................................................................................20
Aperture.......................................................................................................................................................20
Display Options............................................................................................................................................21
Measurement Setup ....................................................................................................................................21
Tolerance .....................................................................................................................................................22
Volume.........................................................................................................................................................23
Product Info .................................................................................................................................................23
Date and Time..............................................................................................................................................24
Tutorial.........................................................................................................................................................24
Reset Device ................................................................................................................................................25
Security ........................................................................................................................................................25
Standard Menu .....................................................................................................................................................27
Creating a Standard .....................................................................................................................................27
Editing a Standard........................................................................................................................................29
Color QC Menu......................................................................................................................................................31
Measuring Samples......................................................................................................................................31
Saving a Tag with a Measurement...............................................................................................................33
Quick Check Menu ................................................................................................................................................35
Color Compare.............................................................................................................................................35
Opacity Mode ..............................................................................................................................................36
Sample Records Menu ..........................................................................................................................................38
Delete All Sample.........................................................................................................................................39
Appendices...........................................................................................................40
Troubleshooting....................................................................................................................................................40
Screen Messages...................................................................................................................................................40
Cleaning.................................................................................................................................................................41
Cleaning the Optics......................................................................................................................................41
Cleaning the Calibration Reference .............................................................................................................42
Technical Specifications ........................................................................................................................................43
FAQs ......................................................................................................................................................................43

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Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the X-Rite RM200QC, this handheld spectrocolorimeter provides an
inexpensive yet powerful way to record and communicate color difference to speed introduction of
new products and reduce instances of scrap.
It simplifies how textiles, coatings, plastic molding and other industries can compare color parts in
production with set standards, and then create reports.
Description
1 - Lanyard loop: Provides a secure way to carry your device.
2 - Power on/off: Used to turn the instrument on and off.
3 - Measure button: Two stage button; press lightly to start preview and firmly to measure.
Lightly pressing this button always returns you to the Color QC screen.
4 - Navigation control: Navigates the on screen menus and function bar in four directions.
Pressing on the left side moves the focus to the next available item to the left. Pressing on the
right side moves the focus to the next available item to the right. The top and bottom sides
perform the same function, only in an up and down direction.
5 -Enter button: Selects menu items and opens tag menu.
6 - USB connection: For charging the battery and interface to the software.
7 - Speaker and Microphone: For recording and playback of voice tags.
8 - Display: Communicates color information, instrument status, and option.
9 - Targeting marks: Allows for easy positioning on samples.
10 - White Reference slider: Positions the calibration tile for measurement or
calibration/storage.
11 - Measurement optics: Area that illuminates and measures the color.
12 – Information label:Provides compliance, serial number and other information.
(2)
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Package Contents
This package should contain the following:
•RM200QC instrument
•Software and manuals CD
•Lanyard
•Protective zipper carry case
•Protective pouch with belt clip
•USB interface cable
•Quick Start Guide
Important Information
The color display of RM200QC has limited capabilities dependant on viewing conditions. Colors
on screen are for guidance only, verify with samples for visual accuracy or use Delta E for color
difference comparison.
Variables that may affect the results given by the instrument include:
•Obstructions to the sensors located within the target window.
•Cold weather, which may cause the display to react slowly and matches to be less accurate.
•Improper use of the instrument or attempting to make a match from an unsuitable sample:
- The instrument was not flat against the sample
- The sample is highly textured
- The sample contains fluorescent colorants

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Getting Started
Installing the Software
The software that is included with your instrument must be installed before plugging the USB
cable into the computer. The software installs the required USB drivers for the instrument and
application.
1. Insert the CD into the CD drive. If the CD does not autorun, double-click the Setup.exe file
on the CD.
2. The setup program guides you through the rest of the installation process. Follow the
instructions on each setup screen to complete the installation. When finished, remove the
CD and store in a safe location.
3. Refer to the software help system for information on using the application.
Charging the Battery
Before using for the first time it is important that you charge the battery. If these guidelines are
not followed, the internal lithium-ion battery may experience a shortened life.
1. Install the software that accompanied the instrument if you have not already done so.
2. Connect the USB cable to the RM200QC and your computer’s USB port. A battery charging
screen momentarily appears. For the first time connection, a language selection screen also
appears. Refer to the Initial Startup section on the following page for first time operation.
Note: Some computers have low power USB ports which are typically located at the front. It
is recommended that RM200QC is ONLY connected to high power ports.
During charging, the instrument switches on and indicates charging with a “lightning bolt” in
the battery icon. The RM200QC will not power off while plugged into the computer USB port.
A full charge from empty will take 6 hours connected to a computer USB port.
Battery Icon Information
This icon at the top of the screen would indicate the battery is fully charged.
This icon at the top of the screen would indicate the battery has a sufficient
charge for a substantial number of measurements.
This icon at the top of the screen would indicate the battery pack is low, but
measurements are still possible. Battery should be charged soon.
This icon momentarily appears in the center of the screen and at the top when
the instrument is connected to the computer, indicating the battery is charging.
The “lightning bolt” in the center of the icon at the top of the screen indicates the
battery is charging.
This icon momentarily appears in the center of the screen when the instrument is
disconnected from the computer.
Battery status is also reported in the Product Info menu item of the Settings window.

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Powering On and Off (battery operation only)
Turn the instrument on by pressing and releasing the Power button.
You are asked to calibrate the instrument. Please follow the on screen instructions for
calibration (refer to the Calibration section later in this manual for details).
The instrument automatically powers down into a sleep mode between 40 to 80 seconds of
inactivity to conserver battery power. Any button press from the sleep mode will wake up the
instrument.
After 75 minutes of inactivity, the instrument powers completely off. From this state, you will
need to press the Power button to turn on the instrument.
You can manually power down the instrument by pressing the Power button, highlighting Yes
from on the screen, and pressing the Enter button. Make sure to always position the white
reference slider over the optics when powering down the instrument. You will need to press
the Power button to turn on the instrument when this power down method is used.
Initial Startup
The very first time RM200QC is powered on, you are asked to select the desired operating
language for the instrument. After the language is selected, you can go through a short tutorial
on using the instrument and then perform a calibration.
The initial startup options are also chosen from within the Settings menu. Refer to the Setting
menu in the Operation section to review and set other options, such as time and date.
Language Selection
1. Select the language from the list by pressing the up and down sides of the Navigation
control. Refer to the Introduction section for button locations.
2. Press the Enter (Select) button to activate the language and continue with the Tutorial.
Press Enter to continue
Power button

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View Tutorial
1. View the tutorial by pressing the right side of the Navigation control. Pressing the left side
of the Navigation control takes you back one screen.
2. After the last Tutorial screen appears, the calibration screen appears.
Instrument Calibration
1. Perform a calibration as described on the screen. For additional information on calibration,
refer to the Calibration section later in this manual.
Press Right
Nav.
Press Right
Nav.
Continue with remaining
Tutorial screens

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Function Screens
The RM200QC has been designed to allow easy navigation between functions.
Functions are selected by pressing the left or right sides of the Navigation control. The active function
is indicated by the highlighted icon on the function bar and the title of the window.
Settings Standard Color QC Quick Check Smp Records
Configure the
instrument.
Select from a list or
measure a new
standard.
Perform Color QC
sample
measurements.
Perform Color
Compare and Opacity
measurements.
View and delete saved
sample records.
Press Enter (tag
highlighted)
Press Navigation
control (bottom)
Tag
Arrows indicate
additional views
are available.
Nav. left
Nav. left
Nav. right
Nav. right
Tag menu is for adding
notes to a sample
measurement.
Sample image, Color Plot, and Indices
views are also available.
Nav.
bottom
Battery indicator gauge
Active function
Function bar (active function is
highlighted)
Approximate standard and
sample colors
Measurement information

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Using the RM200QC Instrument
General Use
When holding the instrument by its sides, it should be easy to press the Measure button on the
side with your thumb or index finger.
1. To measure a sample, place the instrument flat against a sample with the center of the
sample positioned under the measurement optics.
2. Lightly press the Measure button to enable an on screen preview of the sample for fine
positioning.
3. Hold the instrument steady and press the Measure button firmly and release. An audible
“camera-click” sound indicates the start of the measurement. A progress bar appears at the
bottom of the display to indicate the measurement status.
4. It is important that the instrument is held steady for the duration of the measurement.
Sample information appears in the display after the progress bar reaches 100%. (Refer to
the Operation section later in this manual for additional details.)
Horizontal, vertical, and angled orientations are acceptable as long as the instrument makes
good contact with the sample.
When the measurement is complete, sample data appears in the display.
Depending on the Display options selected, additional sample views can be displayed and
selected using the Navigation control.
Up to 350 sample measurements can be saved with optional voice and text tags assigned to
each.
Navigation control
Measurement area
within circle

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Changing Aperture View
1. Lightly press and hold the Measure button to activate the preview. The area to be
measured is indicated in the preview by the circle.
Two measurement areas are available:
•Small (4 mm aperture)
•Large (8 mm aperture)
2. Adjust the measurement area by pressing on the up or down side of the Navigation control
while lightly holding down the Measure button.
(4 mm) (8 mm)
Note: You can preset your aperture preference in the Settings menu.
Navigating the Screens
Many secondary screens contain the words “Back”, “Select”, and “Exit” at the bottom. This
refers to actions that take place when using the Navigation control and Enter button.
Back – indicates that the display is jumping back to the previous screen. This is selected by
pressing the left side of the Navigation control.
Select – indicates that the option or item highlighted in the screen will be selected. This is
chosen by pressing the Enter button.
Exit – indicates that the current screen will be closed and returned to the main match screen.
This is selected by pressing the right side of the Navigation control.
Nav. up
or down

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Screens that contain images of “arrows” indicate that the Up and Down sides of the Navigation
control are used to adjust or page-through options, standards, etc.

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Selecting Samples
The RM200QC instrument is unique in that is has been designed to measure a wide variety of samples
without the limitations on minimum size or surface textures. RM200QC employs the principle of
WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get).
The advanced X-Rite camera technology and state of the art multi directional LED illumination enables
the instrument to:
•Compensate for surface irregularities with the use of a surface flatten algorithm. This
enables comparison between textured sample measurements.
•Measure Small (4 mm) and Large (8 mm) sample areas.
Obtaining a Good Measurement
The instrument works best on samples that are dry and opaque. Samples can be oriented
horizontally (on a table top), vertically, or at an angle. To obtain a good measurement, make
sure the instrument is flat against the sample and is held steady during the measurement.
Curved or uneven sample:If the standard or sample has a curved or uneven surface, use the
averaging option (refer to the Settings menu section). This allows you to take more than one
measurement of a sample to obtain an average value.
Thin or translucent sample: If the sample is thin, place it on a flat surface before taking a
measurement. If the sample is not opaque, place it on a white (plain paper) backing before
taking a measurement.
Non-ideal Samples
Successful measurements will be difficult or impossible to obtain if samples appear unusually
bright (may contain fluorescing pigments).

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Calibration
IMPORTANT: The calibration reference is dramatically affected by smudge marks and dust, and must
be kept clean. It is recommended that the instrument is cleaned regularly. Refer to the Cleaning
section later in this manual for procedure on cleaning the calibration reference and optics.
When your instrument is first turned on, you are asked to perform a calibration. Thereafter, a
calibration is required every 30 minutes or if a 3°C temperature change has occurred. Calibration of the
instrument ensures optimum sample measurement performance. If desired, a calibration can be
manually initiated by selecting Calibrate from the Settings menu.
The instrument includes an integrated white reference slider that protects the white reference when
not in use.
1. When displayed to do so, move the white reference slider to the closed/calibration position
over the optics.
2. Press Measure to initiate the calibration when the reference slider is positioned. A progress
bar appears at the bottom of the display to indicate the calibration status.
3. After a successful calibration, you are prompted to reposition the slider back to its storage
location before measuring samples.
Note: An error will be displayed if the white reference slider was not in the correct position for
calibration. If this occurs, close the slider and repeat the calibration process. After recalibration
this message continues, refer to Troubleshooting in the Appendices.
If at any time the instrument requests “Repeat Calibration” this is due to exceeding the current
temperature variation tolerance. Please recalibrate by initiating from the Settings menu.

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Recertification
Your device requires an annual certification to guarantee the performance of the device.
One month before your recertification is due a warning message will be displayed on the
screen.
“Your device is due recertification in XX days”
This message will automatically close after 3 seconds or if a button is pressed.
For details on how to get your RM200QC recertified or serviced, please contact your local X-Rite
representative. Details available at www.xrite.com

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Operation
Settings Menu
The Setting menu is used to set instrument options, initiate a calibration and view production
information from this menu. You should review and set the options as needed before using
your instrument for the first time.
1. Select the Settings icon in the function bar by pressing the left side of the Navigation
control.
2. Select the setting option from the list by pressing the up and down sides of the Navigation
control.
3. Press the Enter button to select the option.
Refer below for an explanation of each option.
Language
The language option allows you to select the languages that the instrument operates in. This
screen also appears when the instrument is turned on for the first time.
1. Select the language option from the list by pressing the up and down sides of the
Navigation control.
2. Press the Enter (Select) button to select the language and return to the Settings window.
USB Report Mode
The USB report mode option is used to set the device USB mode for output of reports to
computer. When the device is in this mode, it will work with your computer with similar
function to a USB memory stick.

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1. Plug your device into the USB port of your computer.
2. Select the USB Report Mode option from the list by pressing the up and down sides of the
Navigation control.
3. Press the Enter button to switch the device into the USB Report mode.
The device will display the USB Report Mode Active window.
The device will now be recognized on your computer as a removable disk “RM200QC”. If
this is the first time you have plugged in your device running in the USB Report mode, the
new device installation prompt will be seen and the required drivers will automatically be
installed.
4. Double click the RM200QC icon to explore the contents.
Two report options are provided:
•QCREPORT.PDF: This provides a multipage formatted report ready for you to use directly for
your quality records.

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•DATA.CSV – This provides data for the measured standards and samples that is easily
manipulated in Excel to a format of your preference, or for more advanced data collection
and analysis.
5. Unplug the USB cable from the device to exit from the USB Report Mode.
Calibrate
The calibration option allows you to manually initiate a calibration. Refer to the Calibration
section earlier in this manual for information on performing a calibration.
Aperture
The aperture option is used to set the aperture size that the instrument defaults to when a
measurement is started. You can select Large (8 mm) or Small (4 mm).